Chemically filled electric block for medical heat treatments



Feb. 16, 1937. F TOFANO 2,071,186

CHEMICALLY FILLED ELECTRIC BLOCK FOR MEDICAL HEAT TREATMENTS Filed June 8, 1955 INVENTOR FRANK 7554M) P .15- 3. BY 0 ATTORNEY UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHEMICALLY FILLED ELECTRIC BLOCK FOR MEDICAL HEAT TREA'IMENTS Frank Tofano, Bronx, N. Y.

Application June 8, 1935, Serial No. 25,602

1 Claim.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a chemically filled electric block for medical heat treatments.

The invention has for an object the construction of a block which is adapted to retain heat and which is impregnated with chemical compounds having long lasting and penetrating odors and qualities adapted to penetrate the skin and increase the circulation of the blood.

Furthermore, the invention contemplates the arrangement of electrical heating means within the block by which the block may be heated before use.

A further object of the invention is to incorporate powdered heat insulation material within the material of the block so as to give the block the property of maintaining the heat for a long period of time.

A further object of this invention is to incorporate pure vinegar and pure lemon juice as the chemical compounds which have long lasting penetrating qualities adapted to penetrate the skin and increase the circulation of the blood.

Another object of this invention is the construction of a device as described which is simple and durable and which may be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, and to the appended claim in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device constructed according to this invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electrlcal parts of the device.

The chemically filled electric block for medical heat treatments comprises a cement block II) in which there is incorporated heat insulating material so as to give the block the property of maintaining heat for a long period of time. Preferably, the heat insulation material should be asbestos, ashes, or the equivalent or combinations of such elements.

Within the block there is imbedded an electric heater II which is electrically connected with a rheostat l2 in circuit therewith and in the circuit l3 which terminates in an electric plug II. This plug may be engaged in a standard electric socket in the home. An electric gauge I5 is included in the circuit with the rheostat so that the supply of current may be measured. The gauge I 5 is also imbedded in the material of the block In. The block I0 is formed with a projecting portion IS in which the rheostat is imbedded, except the control handle l2 thereof.

The chemical composition of the block may best be described by presenting one method by which a block may be constructed. 1 lb. of cement, 1 lb. of asbestos, 1 lb. of sand, and 1 lb. of pure wood ash are mixed together. A liquid is then added, which is composed of a mixture of 1 pint of pure alcohol, 1 pint of vinegar (Italian grape), and 1 pint of strained lemon juice. After thoroughly mixing these compounds together, the mass is then placed in a form or mold, and allowed to set for at least three days. It may then be placed in an oven and baked to eliminate all trace of moisture.

Of course, when the material is set into the mold to harden, the electrical equipment is supported therein so as to be molded into the block. The device may be operated on A. C. or D. C. current, depending merely upon the design of the electrical equipment. It has been found that the plug I4 may be connected with a source of current for about three minutes. During this period the block will remain perfectly cool on the outer surface, as it takes more than three minutes for the heat to reach the exterior. After a few minutes the block begins to heat up on the outer surface. It is then placed against the back or other parts of the body. The heat is retained and continues to discharge for a period of more than three hours.

The penetrating qualities of the vinegar and lemon juice, in combination with the heat, will penetrate the skin and cause circulation of the blood at the treated parts.

It is to be understood that this type of block is unbreakable and that the shape, size and coloring of the block may be varied as desired.

The block may be used for the treatment of various ailments, such as lumbago, rheumatism, pains in the muscles, etc.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claim.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:-

A chemically filled block for medical heat treatments, comprising a block, mollifying, non-deleterious, chemical compounds having longlasting skin penetrating qualities adapted to penetrate the skin and increase the circulation of the blood incorporated in said block, and an electrical heat unit within the block and controlled from the exterior, said block comprising cement, asbestos, sand and. ashes formed into a plastic substance with the addition of a liquid to cause the cement to harden and then allowed to dry, said liquid consisting of a mixture of alcohol, vinegar and strained lemon juice.

FRANK TOFANO. 

